16 March 2012

In search of... my dream shampoo. Part 1

Finding a good shampoo has always been a big struggle for me. Why? because I have specific expectation for such a cleansing product.

After a shampoo, I expect my hair to :

- not becoming flat or heavy

- be full of shine and feel cleansed

- be easily manageable but not too much either

The search of my dream shampoo begins...

Waitrose have launched their organic beauty range (face and body) a few years ago, being the first UK supermarket doing so. They have two organic shampoo products. I decided to try the Moisturizing Shampoo, rather than the Purifying Shampoo. The reason for this is that the ends of my hair tend to be quite dry.

Product description: organic moisturizing shampoo

Certified: yes (Soil Association)

For: dry hair

Texture: emulsion

Price: 4.19 for 200 ml

My opinion

My first impression was that the shampoo was a bit disappointing. I found the texture really liquid and quite runny, so it was quite difficult not to spill some in the shower.... I prefer a texture that is a bit more creamy and consistent, which makes it easier to massage into my hair.

However, I really enjoy the delicate yet fresh smell (probably due to the presence of geranium essential oil): it gives me the "clean" feeling and this is something I find very important in a shampoo. It is also very easy to rinse off. Waitrose shampoo also does not leave any fake/superficial silk film on the hair and I like that too.

The composition of the shampoo is simplistic and this is always a plus for me. In general, a good shampoo needs only 4 main ingredients: water, detergent, active ingredient, botanical oil. Rather than using common detergents (that are also hair irritant) such as SLS or cocamidopropyl betaine, they choose to use decyl glucoside and coco-betaine as main tensioactifs and these are very mild.

My hair is left cleansed and fresh. Also, I enjoy the fact that my hair does not feel too heavy after one day or two.

Was this my dream shampoo? not entirely........ the texture was a thumb down to me. Nevertheless it is a good product.

Glycerin and aloe vera are great moisturizers, so they help to lock moisture. Aloe vera contains anti inflammatories molecules that soothe any irritated scalp.

Phenoxyethanol and benzoic acid are allowed in the Soil Association certification as preservatives. Sometimes contested, these preservatives ensure your product will be kept free of mould and nasty bacteria.